The Opelousas courier., 1887-03-12
A M EARRING.

"You see, Birdie" said mother, as l
had always called her, sit was a stormy
night and Jack had been detained at the
storc-hc was cash-boy at Cotton & Co.'S
then-but just as nc was running up the
steps, about Z O'clock, he met a woman
hurrying down them. She brushed by
without speaking, and he when he
reached the door, almost stumbled over
a basket where you lay all snuggled up
in warm t~1annels. All. but you were a
very nice baby, my dear"
pity my mother hadn't thought So"
l sarcastically observed. Then / saw
Jack looking tenderly at me, and I re-
membcrcd that | had a secret to tell
Mother Raynor. 1 arose and went to
her.
'It was seventeen years ago tomorrow
that you found me-" l said, land so
that is the only birthday I have.
| have accepted Jack as a birthday
gift.".
Aradiant look of surprised joy fairly
illumined her dear old face as she
comprehended the meaning of my re-
mark. .
''It has been the wish of my life," she
whispered, kissing me softly.
The next morning several little birth
day tokens were On my breakfast plate.
Jack had gratiied an oft expressed wish
of mine by having a little cameo earring,
found in the basket in which they found
me, set in a ring for me for one of my
birthday presents. It was an exquisite,
~clear-cut cameo, and it had a decided
unique setting; so I had always INDUCED
in the hope that sometime, perhaps, l
might learn through it who my parents
were.
So the day began happily. During
the afternoon, however, I CHANGED to go
on the street to pay a visit to a cir.
friend. At n place some workmen
obstructed the sidewalk and I was
obliged to cross the street. / remember
stepping down and advancing a few
steps, of hearing hoarse shouts of warn
ing, feeling q sudden shock and her all
was blank.
When I returned to consciousness /
was in a strange room; everything was
strange to me.
"Where am II" / asked, although I
could see no one. 'f'What has hap
penedW =
"You are with friends" said a low,
soft voice near me-.
Turning my eyes, they fell on a sweet
faced lady not yet old, although her
hair was nearly white, Sitting near me.
'How came / here!" ] demanded, in a
weak startled voice.
After a brief consultation with a wo-
man, evidently the nurse, the lady de-
cided to explain the situation.
You are weak, but I trust to your
good sense to remain calm while ] tell
you why you are here. About a month
ago you were crossing the street, and my
husband and / accidentally ran against
and severely injured you. There was
nothing about youto identity you, SO we
brought you home"
and this vas a month ago. Has nc
one been here2 Did you ADVERTISED
mo" replied the lady. TT a re-
ported in the police news, ! believe, as
my husband hadsto pay large fine for
his carelessness, but I never thought of
advertising for your friends. / supposed
they would go to the station and then
be directed here, if YOU had any in the
city,
Il have noae,n I said bitterly. 81
only a fonndling, living upon charity
all my life. q
Al whole month had lain there and
no one had called. And my pale, thin
hands showed how near to deaths door
/ had been.
AS lay looking at my wasted fingers
! noticed that my ring was gone. Hastily
/ inquired where it was.
My new found acquaintance blushed,
and then said:
win you allow my husband TO talk
with you . few moments2 He has your
cameo"
In a few moments a tall handsome
gentleman accompanied her into the
room.
Years ago. he began, after apollo
giving for being The cause Of my illness,
and congratllatlng mo on my recovery,
u had d pair Of canoes carved In this
city. They were unlike anything ever
seen here. 1 had them set in b pair Of
earrings for my wife. One night our
house was robbed by d trusted servant;
the cameos were taken with other
9aluables.
ssWas anything else takenan | asked,
sitting upright, forgetting Tor 4 moment
my weak state.
Tie gentleman strove to control his
emotion, but his vile uas silently weep
ing near the window.